During the initial phase of therapy, clients come to their appointment super focused on how their inner critic speaks to them with thoughts of “You’re so stubborn”, “You’ve too shy”, “You’re too critical”, “You’re so sensitive”, generally fueling their feelings of anxiety, overwhelm or just plain stuck.
Often our biggest challenge really is our greatest strength. And just as important it is to be mindful of those critical thoughts that try and enter our mind, it’s equally important to take a moment to see what is on the other side of what you think is your less than flattering attribute. It may just surprise you.
Up for an exercise?
A Positive Spin
Part 1 –
1. Write your 5 greatest weaknesses
2. Now express them positively
For example:
Weakness: Stubbornness
Positive spin: Determination
Part 2 – The Flip Side
3. Now think deeply what your weakness reveals and could teach you.
For example:
Weakness: Stubbornness
Positive spin: Determination
Strength: Feeling stubborn reveals to me what it is worth letting go of and what I should hold on to.
For example:
Weakness: Shy
Positive spin: Polite
Strength: Feeling shy means I am sensitive and aware of others feelings so I can easily be empathetic and therefore well-liked in social situations.
For example:
Weakness: Obsessive
Positive spin: Focussed
Strength: Naturally being obsessive means this tendency can teach me how to determine what’s most important and focus on that, to the exclusion of that which is unimportant.
What do I always ask you? What do you make it mean?
Take a minute, look at those attributes that are creating some challenge, flip it and spend time looking at how the positive side can better serve you.
Are you ready to put an end to your inner critic that has kept you stuck all these years? I’ve got you!
My sleeves are rolled up, ready to work alongside you, so LET’S DO THIS!
I invite you to schedule a 20-minute consultation call with me, my gift to you, to explore the benefits of working together.
Thank you, Harley Storey, for A Positive Spin.
